DIRT AND TRAIL

KTM
“Its torque-orientated power characteristics, as well
as an improved mass centralization thanks to the 250cc
engine generation’s compact, lighter and 20 mm shorter
engine over preceding models, ensures the all-new KTM
FREERIDE 250 F machine is the benchmark in terms of
wide-ranging riding possibilities.”
So that’s the blurb from KTM’s marketing guru’s, we
wanted to see how it shapes in real life.
Basically, KTM wanted to keep that novice-friendly
appeal while reaching out to riders with more experience
who want a fun trail bike that can hit a jump or go loghopping
in equal measure. And in our opinion – they
have nailed it! There’s a strong EXC influence to the new
Freeride, which is making a difference.
We we popped Mandy Van Den Heever who owns a
350 freeride and Maddy Lawrence who rides a Honda
CRF 230 into the saddle and asked for some opinions.
Both are seriously social riders. Then us slightly fatter
riders took the bike and put it through its paces.
Let’s start by saying that you cannot even begin to
compare the new four-stroke to its 350 predecessor – and
it is distinctly different to the two smoker.
The main upgrade to the 2018 model becomes clear
almost as soon as we started riding. Handed down
and softened slightly from the EXC range, the WP Xplor
forks and shock make a real difference in improving the
Freeride’s performance and handling over a wider mixture
of terrain. The Freeride chassis is still deliberately soft by
comparison to an EXC, but not as soft as the previous
Freeride set-up.
The fuel injected DOHC, four-stroke engine is a
restricted version of the 250 F you’ll find on the EXC
model. And it’s a great engine.
A KTM Power Parts map switch is available to increase
power from a stock 20.5HP and 18Nm (torque) to 26HP
and 22.1Nm. That aftermarket map switch would perk
the bike up and help more experienced riders enjoy the
ride better.
60 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE MARCH 2018